Russia updates nuclear doctrine amid rising tensions with Ukraine and the West

Russia has updated its nuclear doctrine, allowing for a potential nuclear response to conventional attacks, especially if supported by a nuclear power. This change follows U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to permit Ukraine to strike targets in Russia with U.S. missiles. The new guidelines suggest that Russia may consider any conventional attack on it, especially if backed by the U.S. or U.K., as a justification for using nuclear weapons. Russian officials have indicated that this doctrine reflects a response to perceived threats to Russia's sovereignty. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the updated doctrine aligns with current military dynamics and could lead to a nuclear response if Ukraine uses U.S. missiles against Russian targets.